Weather Forecast

Opportunities offered to support hospital efforts

By Russ Pankonin, The Imperial Republican

Are we up to the challenge—a challenge grant, that is? This week, BW Telcom of Wauneta and Benkelman announced a $25,000 challenge grant to the Chase County Hospital Foundation. Raise $25,000 and they will match $25,000. Randy Vlasin, executive director of the hospital foundation, said the challenge comes at a time when the hospital needs to replace an important piece of surgery equipment. Plus, the timing is right because there are two upcoming events planned for the hospital where you have the opportunity to double the value of your dollar. Next Friday, June 13, the Imperial Rotary Club will be hosting a “Hospi-riety Show.” The event features a variety of local and area talent, including barbershop music, skits, instrumental music and lip sync, among other things. It will be held at the Chase County Schools auditorium, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with refreshments, finger foods and a silent auction, followed by the show at 6:30 p.m. Then, on Saturday, June 21, the hospital foundation will hold their annual benefit golf tournament, “Slice Fore Life,” at the Imperial County Club. There are still openings for teams in the four-person scramble. Following golf, the public is invited to the Broken Arrow Cellars, Imperial’s new winery, at 5 p.m. with refreshments, golf awards and a silent auction. Benefits and contributions from both events will be used towards the $25,000 match. There’s more exciting news for the hospital this week as the board has hired a new chief executive officer. Superior native Steve Lewis will begin duties here in mid-July and brings more than 30 years of hospital operations and management experience with him. One of his primary tasks and goals will be the recruitment of additional medical staff. Lewis likes what he sees here with a dedicated staff who are ready to take Chase County Community Hospital to the next level. We citizens in Chase County must be committed to that same goal which can be shown through loyal support to the hospital and joining in efforts such as those listed above. Maintaining a strong hospital is critical to the future of Chase County.